What is an R2 Certification?
Electronic waste (e-waste) is one of the fastest-growing waste streams, making up nearly 70% of toxic waste found in landfills. From obsolete computers and TVs to circuit boards and other electronic components, e-waste often contains hazardous materials such as mercury, lead and other heavy metals that can leak into the environment, causing numerous health and environmental problems. With regulatory trends shifting toward stricter e-waste management, proper disposal is more critical than ever.
That’s where R2 Certification comes in—establishing a globally recognized standard for responsible electronics recycling to ensure safe, ethical, and sustainable e-waste disposal.
What is R2 Certification?
R2 (Responsible Recycling) Certification is a globally recognized standard that ensures electronics recycling is conducted in a way that prioritizes environmental protection, data security, and worker safety. According to NSF.org, “R2 is the leading standard for electronics repair and recycling. It provides a common set of processes, safety measures and documentation requirements for businesses that repair and recycle used electronics. R2 practices include general principles and specific practices for recyclers disassembling or reclaiming used electronics equipment, including equipment exported for refurbishment and recycling.”
For businesses and organizations that want to dispose of their electronic waste responsibly, partnering with an R2-certified recycler is essential.
An R2-Certified Recycler
At TerraCycle Regulated Waste (TCRW) and Complete Recycling Solutions (CRS), we are committed to providing R2-certified e-waste recycling solutions that ensure safe disposal, environmental protection, and secure data destruction.
TCRW and CRS recycle a wide range of e-waste, including:
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Electronics, computers, laptops, cell phones, CPUs, circuit boards, and back-up systems
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Printers, scanners, and photocopiers
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Cathode-ray tube (CRT) and flat-screen televisions and monitors, including LCD, OLED, and plasma TVs
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Transformers, capacitors, and switches
Secure and Sustainable Recycling Practices
CRS’s Fall River, MA, facility is R2-certified and specializes in demanufacturing electronic equipment into its core recyclable components - such as plastic, metal frameworks, circuit boards, wires, and hard drives. To ensure secure data destruction, all hard drives are shredded on-site before recycling.
As an R2-certified recycler, TCRW and CRS adhere to strict industry standards, including:
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Environmental and Public Health Protection: We handle hazardous materials safely, preventing pollution and ensuring proper disposal of harmful components.
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Worker Health and Safety: Our facilities follow strict safety protocols to protect workers from potential hazards during the recycling process.
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Data Security: We implement secure data destruction practices to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information on recycled electronics.
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Material Management and Resource Recovery: By optimizing the recycling process, we maximize the recovery of valuable materials, reducing waste and supporting a circular economy.
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Traceability and Accountability: We track all recycled materials, ensuring responsible management throughout the entire recycling stream.
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Legal Compliance: We strictly adhere to all federal, state, and local regulations regarding electronics recycling.
Choosing an R2-certified recycler like TCRW and CRS ensures that your electronic waste is managed responsibly. It’s more than just disposal - you’re helping to protect the environment, safeguard sensitive data, and promote ethical recycling practices.
Ready to recycle your e-waste the right way? Learn more about our R2-certified services today! Or call one of our experts to find a custom solution for your waste streams: (800) 909-9709